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U.S. Senate Republican Ron Johnson of Wisconsin says we need a "very delicate balance" between protecting civil liberties and gathering intelligence to fight terrorism. Johnson, a member of the Senate Homeland Security panel, was on "Fox News Sunday" to discuss the recent reports about the monitoring of phone calls and Internet usage. Johnson said he was "every bit concerned" about civil liberties as many Americans who criticized the extent in which national security personnel search for patterns of terrorist activity.

Lois Worbes and Caleb Peterson have been dubbed this year's New Richmond Relay for Life honorary co-chairs. Worbes, who acted as the caregiver to her best friend, Peggy Harris, will speak at the annual Relay event, slated for June 14-15 at the New Rchmond Middle School track, at 6 p.m. Peterson, who has been battling a brain tumor since 2008, will give the 10 p.m. speech. Peterson was originally diagnosed in August 2008 and immediately was scheduled for surgery and radiation treatment at Rochester, Minn.'s Mayo Clinic.

The Village of Star Prairie will begin fire hydrant flushing on Monday, June 10, and Tuesday, June 11. Customers should be aware that the flushing may cause mineral particles in their water that can affect laundry operations. If mineral particles are detected, cold water should be run to clear out household water lines. If the problem persists, residents should contact Star Prairie Utilities at 715-248-3933 or 715-220-3230, said Brody Larson, maintenance operator.

From the Forum News Service North Dakota University System seeks applications for interim chancellor BISMARCK -- The North Dakota University System is accepting applications and nominations for an interim chancellor to lead the system of 11 public campuses for at least the next year after Chancellor Hamid Shirvani's term ends early July 15. A news release Friday said the State Board of Higher Education is looking for a leader with "significant experience in higher education and statewide leadership." The position also requires an applicant who can work "collaboratively" with campus presid

When people think of receiving gifts, what immediately comes to mind might be a birthday, an anniversary or even a special holiday. At Paperjack Elementary, when the students and staff think of gifts, they think of the many parent and community volunteers who grace their classrooms each day. These volunteers have devoted many hours and years of service in helping students learn at Paperjack.

Somerset native Jared Dettmann has been drafted by the Atlanta Braves. Dettmann was drafted Saturday afternoon, in the 17th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. He was the 523rd player selected overall in this year's draft. Dettmann is a tall, hard-throwing left-hander who was a standout starting pitcher during his Somerset High School career. He pitched one year for the University of Connecticut. This spring he was a standout for the Century College team in the Twin Cities, leading the team to the Junior College World Series.

The expansion and upgrade of a new 911 center at the St. Croix County Government Center is underway with the selection of an architectural firm to draw up plans. "Wold Architects and Engineers of St. Paul has been selected to draw up the plans," said Casey Swetlik, Emergency Support Services (ESS) director, during a discussion in his office last week. "Bids for a construction partner were to go out in June and we expect construction to start in early August." The current dispatch center occupies 440 square feet and hasn't changed since the Government Center was built in 1993, said Swetlik.

The six-year saga surrounding a lawsuit brought by three property owners against the city of New Richmond continued in St. Croix County Court Monday. Since 2009, three families who live near the New Richmond Regional Airport have argued that their ability to use and enjoy their property has been compromised since the city-owned facility's main runway expanded in 2007.

The New Richmond News recently hired Patty Steele of Hudson as an advertising representative for the News, www.newrichmond-news.com and RiverTown Multimedia. Steele has worked in the newspaper business for 11 years, the last five at the Woodbury Bulletin and Hudson Star-Observer, other RiverTown members. She and her husband Mark have two children, Sarah, 9, and Mason, 8. "I am looking forward to working in the New Richmond community," Steele said.